Considering our liberal tendencies, we at Transracial rarely agree with Judaism’s religious right.
But we gotta say, their latest edict could not be more welcome.
Sun-down on Sunday marks the beginning of Yom Kippur — the Jewish day of atonement. Traditionally, the pious are banned from wearing any form of leather to and from synagogue on this holiest of holy days.
The forgoing of animal skin is thought to be a symbol of modesty and humanity during this period of intense introspection. And accordingly, we can personally confirm it’s not uncommon to see folks at temple in full-on suits, accessorized with flip-flops, or increasingly Crocs, which many have even called “the new Jew shoe”.
Well, Crocs no more — says an influential Israeli rabbi.
He’s made it clear — as the pics above confirm — that the plastic shoes are just too darn comfortable for Yom Kippur use and that the pious need to embrace footwear that’s just a little more…er…unforgiving.
Rabbi Elyashiv (AKA, the Lithuanian Rabbi) told his faithful that Crocs on Yom Kippur are technically Kosher according to Halacha – traditional Jewish law. But that the truly Jewish hard-core would trade them for…well…harder-core shoes.
“It is permissible legalistically, but it is inadvisable,” said Rabbi Elyashiv. Any shoe that is not from leather but is comfortable to wear is forbidden on Yom Kippur, he added.
Rabbi Elyashiv’s ruling will create a challenge this year for his students — and global followers — who are ardent Crocs fans. They like the airy shoes because they keep their feet comfy during the long hours of prayers throughout Yom Kippur, which are usually conducted while standing.
While we’re always leery of Rabbinical rulings, we gotta say Rabbi Elyashiv has our total support. On a day desined to repent for your sins, why transgress further by wearing Crocs!
Great article. Unfortunately I doubt that this Rabbi’s “edict” will hold up. The objective of Yom Kippur, and of Judaic commandments as a rule, is not to suffer, but rather, to perform with a heart full of joy. As a former high heel addict, I can tell you there is no joy in wearing uncomfortable footwear, especially while standing (and fasting!). I suspect this Rabbi will remain in the non-influential realm of Lithuania throughout his career (come to think of it, he is probably just jealous because he cant buy Crocs in Lithuania)!
“But we gotta say, they’re latest edict could not be more welcome.” Please learn the difference between their and they’re.
you’re right
(not YOUR right)
i definitely need a copy-editer
we didn’t have enough to worry about?
Rav Elyashiv is not situated in Lithuania, but rather in Israel. He is referred to as “Lithuanian” because he represents the Lithuanian, or Ahskenazi, approach to Judaism, which follows the teachings of the Gaon of Vilna. They are known as “Lithuanian” to differentiate from Hassidic Jewry. There is nothing Lithuanian, per se, about them.
What the hell is a copy-editer? Does it have anything to do with a spel-checkor?
something like that
editOr. Yes you do.
people
i have just gotten off of a 15.5 hr flight
be kind
i still wore crocs. at my synagogue, there isn’t a lot of flip flops worn…mostly white keds. i brought in my army of neon orange crocs. and let me tell you, it was a blessing during kol nidre.